HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Watershore And Beach Advisory Committee - 11/03/1994 MINUTES
WATER/SHORE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 3, 1994
MEMBERS PRESENT: Frank Beck, Robert Blackmon, Quenten Cook, Chairman, Ramiro
Gamboa, Virginia Henderson, Roy Lehman, Vic Menard, Patricia Suter and Randy Thompson.
STAFF PRESENT: Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park & Recreation, SiSu Morris, Marina
Superintendent, Mike Gordon, Assistant Director for Operations and Benita Brunner, Marina
Administrative Aide.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Cook called the regular meeting of the Water/Shore Advisory
Committee to order at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
ACTION ON MINUTES: The motion was made by Mr. Menard, seconded by Mr. Gamboa,
to approve the 9/8/94 Minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mr. Beck reported the subcommittee is working toward having a
rough working draft of the ordinance rewrites for the Committee to review in the not too distant
future.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Mr. Matthews reported that amendments were made to the
Lighthouse Restaurant contract during the City Council's second reading. (1) The date for
securing financing for construction was set at March 31, 1996 in both documents. If financing
is not secured by that date, everything reverts to the 1982 lease. (2) If Marina Fuel wishes to
provide fuel for cars, they will have to pursue the required zoning changes on their own and at
their own expense. The sixty day waiting period between the second and third readings will
expire at the end of November and the contracts will be effective at that time.
Mr. Matthews reported that: (1) parking concerns for Lawrence Street T-Head continue to be
addressed; (2) bulk fueling is an on-going issue; and (3) staff is working on a contract for the
Padre Isles Yacht Club to bring back for the Committee's consideration. Ms. Morris reported
that: (1) Padre Isles has not moved forward with speed limit/no wake signs/buoys since Bob
Sothard received a letter from the State questioning the City's right to pass an ordinance
regarding speed limits; (2) November 18th Pier Opening Celebration; (3) December 3rd Harbor
Lights Celebration; (4) Melvin Garrett building a movable road to be used in maintaining the
Lexington; (5) 1994 Hobie Nationals on Corpus Christi Beach; (6) spot dredging in the Marina;
and (7) no further action to date has been taken regulating personal watercraft uses. Judge
Blackmon commented on the success of a regatta sponsored by Sea Scouts and the fact that the
14 small boats that participated were captained entirely by youth.
VIDEO PRESENTATION: A 3-1/2 minute promotional video was shown which, along with
the new brochures, will be used to promote the Marina at boat shows and when speaking to
different groups. A second video, regarding keeping the Gulf of Mexico clean, was also shown.
SCAN:
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November 3, 1994
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Water Toy Permits - Ms. Morris gave a brief history of the two types of permits currently being
used for water toy operations. Multi-year, bid based permits are for locations hi the Marina and
short term, flat rate permits are for bayfront beaches. Staff was interested in Committee input
on issuing permits (1) in areas where there is room for only one vendor (Corpus Christi Beach,
Holiday Inn Emerald Beach and Whitecap Boulevard); and (2) on short or long term basis for
water toy concessions on Peoples Street. She stated the beach permits should be for a specific
time period of no less than four months and should have a base rate.
Ms. Morris reported that Mr. Moreno had operated in the Whitecap location without a permit
and was required to purchase the required insurance and the permit to complete the season last
year. Sula Cox has submitted a request to be permitted to operate in the same location next
season. Both vendors offer umbrellas, etc. for rent and both were made aware the site may be
offered for bid. Discussion followed. The motion was made by Judge Blackmon, seconded by
Ms. Suter, to go out for bids for the Whitecap Boulevard vending location. The motion passed
unanimously. Discussion followed regarding a minimum bid and minimum operating term for
the Whitecap Boulevard location. The motion was made by Mr. Beck, seconded by Mr.
Gamboa, to set the minimum bid at $500 per season (Spring Break to Labor Day). The motion
failed. Mr. Matthews stated staff will consider the Committee's discussion, review the County's
procedures, consider time frames and base rents the City can accept and bring their findings
back for Committee consideration.
Ms. Morris reported that John Abbott, who has operated the Holiday Inn Emerald Beach loca-
tion for two seasons, has already submitted his written request to renew his permit for next year
so that he can begin to upgrade his equipment. Holiday Inn and the City must agree upon the
vendor that operates in that location. Mr. Abbott has also submitted the letter of support from
Holiday Inn. Bob Church has operated the Corpus Christi Beach location for several years and
usually submits his request previous to Spring Break each year. The City has not received any
recent requests to operate in these specific locations but have received numerous requests for
possible available locations in which to operate water toys. These sites currently rent for $125
per month for a minimum of four months. Discussion followed. The motion was made by Mr.
Beck, to renew Mr. Abbott's permit. The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Morris reported that the water toy vendors on Peoples Street did not have a good year last
year and will not exercise their renewal option this year because the ten percent rate increase
required is not economically feasible. Beach Boat Rentals is interested in rebidding for the
vending locations. She felt the subcommittee may need to be reactivated to review the bidding
minimums and single year or multi-year options. Mr. Thompson agreed to Chair the Water Toy
Subcommittee. Chairman Cook asked that the Subcommittee have their recommendation ready
for the next meeting. Ms. Morris briefed the committee regarding time lines necessary for a
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November 3, 1994
multi-year permit requiring City Council approval. If the bids are done annually, City Council
action is not required.
Bill Hampton's Request to Renew a Permit for the Peoples Street Concession Building - Ms.
Morris briefed the committee regarding Mr. Hampton's operation. The motion was made by
Mr. Gamboa, seconded by Ms. Suter, to approve the permit renewal. The motion passed
unanimously.
CURRENT CONCERNS AND EVENTS: Ms. Suter requested information on how the City
intends to secure Hans Suter Park especially considering the park will be on the birding trail.
Mr. Gordon is looking into the issue. Judge Blackmon commented on the poor condition of
Piers C and D. He asked who was responsible for the boat launch near Oso. The Texas Parks
& Wildlife Department is responsible for the boat launch. Judge Blackmon stated the pier is
dangerous and should be removed or repaired. Texas A&M University has a sailing club that
is becoming very active adding to the need for a facility in that area. Discussion followed on
the November 18th Pier Opening Celebration.
HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC: No comments were offered.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Si u Morris
Marina Superintendent
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